A celebration of young Maori excellence in Otago secondary schools sparked songs and haka last night.
The 14th Mana Pounamu Young Achievers Awards saw 41 pupils win awards, which recognised both achievement and potential.
At the University of Otago College of Education auditorium, 2002 winner James Piho told a packed room the award at the time meant for him ''I am going to be someone, and I am Maori''.
The former King's High School pupil and Maori rugby player said the awards were ''a gift for you to enhance your life''.
Organisers said the awards showcased future leaders, providing inspirational role models to other Maori youth across the province.
Winners were greeted with songs and haka from their schools as they received their awards, in a noisy and celebratory event.
All senior award winners received an Otago Polytechnic study scholarship.
The awards were first held in 2001, the Year of Mana Pounamu, from which they take their name.
The event was is a Kai Tahu initiative, supported by groups including Ka Papatipu Ranaka ki Araiteuru, the University of Otago, the Otago Polytechnic, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, the Ministry of Education and the Otago Daily Times.
Recipients (junior names first). -
Columba College: Lydia Joseph, Jamie Wood.
Queen's High School: Lily Collins, Matawai Uitime-Nicolls (University of Otago Awardee for Excellence in Te Reo Maori).
Cromwell College: Millie Fraser, Tristan Paget.
South Otago High School: Josh Hill (University of Otago of Hands-on Science Scholarship), Matt Whaanga.
Wakatipu High School: Candace Carroll, Callum O'Connell.
Mount Aspiring College: Anna Edwards, Kasper Humphrey.
Roxburgh Area School: Tahlia Moir (sen, ODT Award for Excellence in English).
Dunstan High School: Nikita Parker, Santana Collier-Kirk.
Waitaki Girls' High School: Irihapeta Parker-Davis (sen).
Waitaki Boys' High School: Josh Gregory-Hunt (jun).
St Kevin's College: Gypsy-Mae Harrison, Merekite Wahitapu.
Tokomairiro High School: Jackson Evans-Anderson, Jemima Aratema.
Kavanagh College: Moewai Marsh, Awhina Meikle.
Taieri College: Maia Wylie, Tia Wylie.
Bayfield High School: Koreana Wesley-Evans, Jack Kiore.
East Otago High School: Hayley Bungard, Paige Church.
King's High School: Tame Govaerts-Paul, Zinzan Smith.
Otago Boys' High School: Oliver Palmer-Hargreaves (University of Otago of Hands-on Science Scholarship), Korako Edwards.
Otago Girls' High School: Lucy Matahaere, Erin Scott.
John McGlashan College: Samuel Moir-Grace, Josh Timu.
St Hilda's Collegiate School: Elizabeth Fitchett, Isabella Shields.
Logan Park High School: Reva Grills (University of Otago of Hands-on Science Scholarship), Runa Falanitule.
Kaikorai Valley College: Aimee Arthur (jun).
